Search Posts
As Eladithas calls for divine assistance, Ma'elo and Spurtz each one of the women . WAREHOUSE AMBUSH! - Round Two Cont'd!
Eladithas of Wolfpoint
previously provided Marching Order on Slides, WAREHOUSE AMBUSH! - Round Two Begins!
Eladithas of Wolfpoint
It doesn't. Shrugging, she throws her curved axe anyway "Duck!" The kholo's target isn't diverted, but she also fails to duck in time. She pays with her life. Nai'ilath manipulates the powers of magic. Seemingly unperturbed by seeing her comrade fall, another attempts to bring down Ka'elen.
Failing to fell her foe, the woman retreats deeper into the warehouse.
WAREHOUSE AMBUSH! - Round Two Begins!
Eladithas of Wolfpoint
Beezhul jumps in front of the bolt, absorbing some of it's impact into her armor with a clever shoulder roll, protecting her ally!
As Spurtz approaches the enemy, Ka'elen engages. One of the women deftly avoids his first lunge, but she fails to avoid a second. "Visitors, eh?" A voice cries out from the east of the warehouse. The speaker, his voice somewhat familiar, is obscured by crates. "Who knew you had any friends, old man?" The question goes unanswered and is instead followed by a muttering of arcane phrases. Cornered, one of the women drops her bow and draws her rapier. She thrusts at the elf before her.
Blood is drawn! WAREHOUSE AMBUSH! - Round One Cont'd!
Eladithas of Wolfpoint
The dwarf sighs and steps forward. "I'd like ta get a whiff o' tha' before we're handin' ye any coin, got ta make sure we en't had any more misunderstandin's." Modra concludes that the "shop keeper" is eager to make some coin and that the vial of antiplague is what it is claimed to be.
As he rushes, the shadows flow into his hands and congeal into the form of daggers. He quickly attempts to slice the shortbow wielder. The armed woman readily avoids the elf's blade.
Eladithas pauses to take in the situation.
Emerging from behind another stack of crates, a third woman approaches with a bow and fires two shots toward Ka'elen. Due to her training, she is able to catch the elf off-guard!
One arrow appears ready to pierce the fighter's armor, but Beezhul intervenes!
The woman is initially surprised that the arrow did not pierce its intended target, but is visibly pleased that she hit someone. "We have visitors!" She calls out and her voice echoes off the nearby crates, walls, and ceiling overhead. WAREHOUSE AMBUSH! - Round One Cont'd!
Eladithas of Wolfpoint
WAREHOUSE AMBUSH! - Round One Begins!
Eladithas of Wolfpoint
"Why, my good sir, I believe you have completely misunderstood my intentions!" The shop keep protests, perhaps a bit too much. "This establishment is a simple confectionary shop. We sell only pastries and treats." He pauses for a moment, then retrieves a small vial from behind the counter. "However, I just so happen to have a vial of antiplague thanks to a regular alchemist client who pays for his treats in trade. As our offerings are not only delicious, but easy on the stomach, I doubt I will ever have much use for it." Tapping his ear in thought, he concludes, "I suppose I could part with it for, say--- three gold pieces." He then moves in closely to Magnus and quietly whispers, "Although feel free to pass your suspicions about this shop to any friends that you may have in the Ministry of Tithes. I have quite a number of items that would make perfect 'gifts' for those seeking a quick promotion."
The shopkeeper listens intently. "Foreigners, I have no issues with. Nor do I need to know who your 'friend' is. Just be assured that I have what you need." "A 'treat' to 'raise a spirit' quicker than an infection would, eh?" He ponders. "I have a few ingestibles capable of releasing a spirit, leaving no trace behind. The quicker ones come with a higher price, of course." As she listens in and observes the shopkeep, Alenor believes the shopkeeper is offering to sell some form of poison.
I see that now. At the time, I hadn't read the full post, but just noticed that it was out of Initiative order. It was a good idea to post it (and to point it out to me when I was being obtuse). I will give the cleric at least 48 hours from the start of the turn to respond. If there is no response, then I will bot and move us along.
Emil's efforts, even with Magnus' help, do not prove fruitful. Few are eager to discuss potential illegal activities, it would seem. Redmond's connections, however, are more open to discussing such matters. From them, he learns the directions to an establishment called "Sweetest Dreams", which is reputed to be able to provide certain substances that can enhance or interfere the natural functions of most living creatures, including those believed to cause certain illnesses. Following the directions leads to a small, unassuming shop that appears to sell simple confections. Upon entering the shop, you spy a ruddy-faced man rearranging pastries behind a counter. "May I help you?" the shopkeeper asks as you enter without even looking up. He carefully finishes his arrangements, before making eye contact. Upon spying the assorted persons in the party, he notes pensively, "You are not quite locals, are you?"
Ma'elo spend a while at the lock. Eventually, it the door unlocks and the party is able to open it. The ceiling of the warehouse is 30 feet high. Piles of crates rise 15 feet high and fill much of the building. Investigating the interior, Ka'elen notes that pages of financial documents, deeds, and almanacs are poking out from many of the crates. Their condition suggests that someone has been digging, likely looking for something specific. The party does not venture far into the warehouse, before you realize that you are not alone! Initiatives:
From behind the crates appears a pair of women, each with a shortbow in hand and rapier at their side. Each dressed in dark clothing designed to keep them from being readily seen. WAREHOUSE AMBUSH! - Round One Begins!
Eladithas of Wolfpoint
Society (DC 15): You identify the women as a pair of Hungry Blade recruits. The Hungry Blade is an assassin's guild within the city. Given the way they handle their weapons, this pair was likely only recently recruited and are likely here to gain a reputation within the guild that might warrant them the guild's more lucrative contracts.
"Will ye still be here next we come lookin' fer ye, or is there somewhere else we ought ta try ta find ye?" "I will go where you tell me," Seddothrum agrees.
Ma'elo carefully and slowly attempts to open the door in the alley, clearly trying to be quiet. "It's locked, " he whispers as he grabs some tools from a pocket. ",Let us see if I can..." Ma'elo feels some of the internal tumblers within the lock begin to move.
Although the address provided by Themolin is not far from the Ministry of Tithes, there seems to be a large number of people coming and going through this portion of the city. Further, security is tight as the Ministry of Tithes lies within close proximity to the palace of the Runelord. Accordingly, it takes the party about two hours to reach the location provided by the nervous bureaucrat--an hour later than Themolin had requested. Passing through a final checkpoint, the party heads south along a main road toward the indicated location. Upon reaching the designated address, you find a well-maintained building, which readily stands out from the dilapidated housing that surrounds it. The main road continues east of the party's current position and leads to a small man-gate that abuts the street and leads into a work yard where the main entrances of the warehouses lie. Indications of a larger, loading gate along the south of the property can also be seen. A nearby alley branches off from the main road and runs along the northern edge of the property. A small man-door exits into the ally from the warehouse. The warehouse stands about 30 feet tall. There are no windows. Map of warehouse now on Slides with the three doors each numbered in green. If you try the western man-gate to the courtyard :
You find that it is unlocked. If you try the northern man-door in the alley :
You find that it is locked. If you try the southern loading gate :
You find that it is locked.
"What don't the Professor like about ye, if ye'll forgive me bein' nosy abou' it? Ye seem like a thoughtful sort ta me." "I don't know why the Professor doesn't like me, although she does not seem to be much different than others in the city. My kind are not liked by man here." "My little friends think their mother is afraid that I will hurt them, but I would never do such a thing! No! Never! I would never let them come to harm." Modra notices that the feet of the heavy giant do not seem to leave an impression in the hard, stone walkways or patios within the court yard. However, they do leave deep impressions within the soft, grassy areas. "I saw a cart we could use back at the Rockfish. We load our friend here," he says, gesturing at Seddothrum, "Along with some other samples for camouflage. Then we can move about in the open." "I can pretend to be a rock, I can!" Seddothrum a[ck when we kn]bow more. I hope we can help."[/b]
"I have asked the children to plead to their mother on my behalf, but they say it just makes her upset when they talk about me--so they stopped." The giant explains woefully. "If you can convince her, then you have powerful tongues, indeed."
"Now wait a moment," he says as Seddothrum turns to leave. "Maybe you can earn your passage some other way. Having some extra muscle that can blend in when needed is always useful." The giant pauses and turns to respond. "I can be useful. Yes, I can." ""A fascinating proposition, Redmond, yet I find myself mired in the physics of the matter. Seddothrum, my large friend, are you...buoyant? No, of course not. From a purely scholarly standpoint, the displacement of water required to keep a stone giant topside would likely capsize any vessel currently docked in this city. I am open to suggestions, certainly, but I am currently lacking the formula to make granite behave like driftwood." "It is true. I do not float." The giant acknowledges. "Seddothrum, so far as the matter o' a fee, we can skip all o' that, long as ye understand that there're some historians who'd want ta talk to ye." He nods towards Magnus. "Me friend en't wrong that there're some practical obstacles we're gonna have ta be clever enough ta solve, so we en't makin' promises. But," he concludes as he looks at the other Pathfinders, "I'd like ta try, if yer willin'." "Yes! Oh. yes! I would be happy to talk if you let me go with you." "Finally, as fer gettin' aroun' the city, I 'spect iffin the professor's willin', she could order ya aroun' like ye're her slave, which would probably avoid problems from the guard." "Oh. Missus Professor Chavlery has never called me 'friend'." Seddothrum confesses. "I do not think she likes me much. She has sometimes told the little ones not to speak with me." He pauses for a moment, then adds, "But I can stay quiet around her, I can! Please, what must I do to leave with you?"
"Now wait a moment," he says as Seddothrum turns to leave. "Maybe you can earn your passage some other way. Having some extra muscle that can blend in when needed is always useful." The giant pauses and turns to respond. "I can be useful. Yes, I can." ""A fascinating proposition, Redmond, yet I find myself mired in the physics of the matter. Seddothrum, my large friend, are you...buoyant? No, of course not. From a purely scholarly standpoint, the displacement of water required to keep a stone giant topside would likely capsize any vessel currently docked in this city. I am open to suggestions, certainly, but I am currently lacking the formula to make granite behave like driftwood." "It is true. I do not float." The giant acknowledges. "Seddothrum, so far as the matter o' a fee, we can skip all o' that, long as ye understand that there're some historians who'd want ta talk to ye." He nods towards Magnus. "Me friend en't wrong that there're some practical obstacles we're gonna have ta be clever enough ta solve, so we en't makin' promises. But," he concludes as he looks at the other Pathfinders, "I'd like ta try, if yer willin'." "Yes! Oh. yes! I would be happy to talk if you let me go with you." "Finally, as fer gettin' aroun' the city, I 'spect iffin the professor's willin', she could order ya aroun' like ye're her slave, which would probably avoid problems from the guard." "Oh. Missus Professor Chavlery has never called me 'friend'." Seddothrum confesses. [b]"I do not think she likes me much.
Themolin is clearly nervous. He ignores the kobold's question, but listens as Ma'elo and Eladithas speak with him. "We are not forcing you. But surely, you'd be safer." Seeing Ma'elo snatch an affidavit off his desk, Themolin quickly snatches it back. "f-Fine." Themolin mutters. He pulls out a quill and begins to jot something down on loose piece of paper. He fold the paper in half and hold it out to the elf. "M-meet me th-there t-tomorrow at last b-bell." "Good Themolin, I assure you that we are more than capable of keeping you safe and your departure a secret. You may trust us. Pathfinders are many things, but most of all, sir, we are competent." The nervous bureaucrat eyes the human and then concedes, "Perhaps, you are right. Sooner is better. I will meet you there in tw hours." "Here." Themolin continues, handing the affidavit over to Eladithas. "Your friend wanted this and, if you are correct, I have no use for it." [spoiler=If you open the folded paper]You find that it contains an address for a warehouse located in Envy Row West.[spoiler]
Themolin exclaims as his obvious nervous habits of scratching and stammering suddenly become more pronounced. "It app-appears th-that y-you may b-be here by m-m-mistake. I c-can th-think of n-n-nothing further that we m-may have to d-d-discuss." The bureaucrat nervous continues. He gestures the party to go as he rapidly tries to reclaim the seat behind his desk.
Themolin's words appear to be creating a bit of a scene as the eyes of various bureaucrats and officials look up from their desks and turn in your direction.
The director retakes his seat behind the piles of documents covering his desk.
Perception (DC 15):
You spy an item of interest on among the objects on Themolin’s desk. This is an affidavit of sale bearing the name of "Ellvard". It shows that Ellvard purchased a painting from a known forger for a nominal amount. Ellvard later sold the painting to Belimarius for a hefty sum.
Modra splutters for a moment as the boulder starts moving and then speaking. "Well..." he begins, pausing awkwardly. "Well met." Modra recalls that, during the height of their power, the runelords forged alliances with dragons and enslaved giants by using secrets of rune and glyph magic in their efforts to increase their own power. With their enslaved giant armies, the wizards of Thassilon built massive tombs, enormous magical constructs, and staggering monuments that survive today. Many are found in Varisia where they remain as mute testimonies of a mysterious age long past. "How did ye come ta be here?" "I come here to the school because it is safe and because no one bothers me here." Seddothrum replies. "It is also where I can often find tiny Taffrit Chaverly and to tiny Maffree Chaverly. I like to play with them. They like to find me when I am hiding and I like that they do not call me names or try to hurt me." ""Nice to meet you, Seddothrum. I am Father Emil. Assuming you have something of value to give to pay for this service, We'd like to try to help." Here Emil glances at the others to see if they agree. Then he continues,"I can see a few problems to overcome, however. First, we are going by ship and I'm not sure if the vessel can accommodate someone of your weight. Second, are you at liberty to move about the city? Do the guards know you or do you have the kind of papers they tend to demand?" The chiseled features on the giant's face soften into a look of sad acquiescence. "I...I understand." Seddothrum says. "I have nothing to give you. What you see is all I have." He stands to reveal that he is waring thick leather garments, dyed in shades of brown and gray to match the stone around him. When he reaches into his pockets, he out turns them revealing nothing inside. He continues, "And I am bigger than most who use boats. Indeed, I am much bigger than my two little friends. I will miss them, though. They called me a 'friend'. I liked being a 'friend' for a time." "Unlike most of the other giants, no one any longer lays claim to me." Seddothrum explains. "The cataclysm that occurred when the city appeared here out of time caused much chaos and destruction. Those laying claim to me did not survive. I have been free, if lonely, since. I fear I try to speak with others--including other giants--that I will no longer be free." "Still, I suppose I can try to go somewhere else in the city and look for another 'friend'." He muses. "You mentioned the guards, but from what I have seen, I do not think that they will be good 'friends'. They seem angry, like most in this city. Usually, when we giants walk through the city, we try to stay out of the way of the other people. They most ignore us, assume that we are already doing a task for someone or waiting to get a new task. It is only when we get in their way that they usually yell at us, demand that we get to work, or simply try to hurt us."
Giant Lore (DC 22) or Society (DC 24):
Stone giants are stoic, reclusive herders and artists with a rich history and collection of traditions. They dwell in caves in tall mountains and craggy ranges, where their grayish skin allows them to blend in with their surroundings well enough to elude casual observation. Stone giant sentries excel at standing or crouching almost completely motionless for hours on end and often allow small groups of intruders to pass right by, only confronting the unwanted visitors once they’ve closed off all avenues of escape and secured their tactical position. Stone giants claim to be among the oldest of giantkind, their clay molded by the gods to set precedent for many to follow. Stone giant elders and storytellers say that in ancient times, when they were the only giants, they stayed true to their ancestors and their traditions. That lasted until they encountered humans. The humans coveted their skill with earth and stone, and bent the stone giants to their will. The enslaved giants built countless great structures, architectural wonders destined to be buried and forgotten. In time, these stone giants escaped the yoke of slavery, but the lessons they learned stuck. No more were they simple herders and cave dwellers. They had learned the ways of iron and stonemasonry. Some had even turned from revering their ancestors to the worship of human gods. These modern stone giants find themselves torn between two paths: the crafters and builders who reshape the world with newfound knowledge, and the spiritual giants who respect their ancestors and adhere to the old ways. "I am sorry to have bothered you," he concludes. "Please give my best to the little Chaverlys. I wish I could have said goodbye to them." The giant's head slumps forward. As the giant turns to depart, he places his massive hands into his vast, empty pockets before beginning to walk away.
"Well, would ye look at this? Somethin' slipped in." He points out the scroll to the others. Modra identifies the item as a scroll of cleanse affliction. This curiosity satisfied, he returns his attention to Professor Chaverly. "In three days, we're leavin' on a ship, an' we mean ta get yer family on it." Now that he's said this, he thinks about how it must require a lot of trust from this woman to just wait around for three days. "We'll check in with ye when we can," - hoping the group won't mind this commitment - "an' ye can get us a message at the Rockfish Inn." "The Rockfish Inn? I understand." Professor Chaverly replies. "I will get a message to you there. Now, if there is nothing else to discuss, I plan to go and inform my family." With your business here completed, the Professor departs and you are free to head back out into the city where you wish. As you pass through the courtyard past the crumbling structures of the campus of the Arcanium Abjurant, you find a large boulder is blocking your path. When it begins to move, however, you realize that it is not a boulder at all, but a large humanoid creature. "Going, are you?" The giant creature asks. Rising to its full height, it stands twelve tall. Its heft is such that patches of soft earth readily give way as hit steps, leaving sizable prints. What had at first appeared to be crevasses in its rocky hide are now revealed to be deep scars etched within the creature's skin.
"I am Seddothrum." The creature declares. "I heard you speaking through the window. I am a friend to tiny Taffrit Chaverly and to tiny Maffree Chaverly. We sometimes play here. If you are going, then are they going too? If so, I would very much like to go with them." The giant creature pauses for a moment, swinging his massive head to take in the view of the city around him, then leans back in to address the party, "Actually, even if they are not going, I would very much like to be somewhere else. Would you take you me with you?"
"You wouldn't want to be the one to let your esteemed employer miss out, would you?" "Well, if it is as important as it sounds, then I suppose the Director will want to see you immediately." Deloriah declares. She rises from her desk, causing Baralbus to step aside. "Follow me." Deloriah instructs. As she leads the party past where Baralbus is standing, the Sub-Director's face falls. "Maybe we can get together next weekend?" He calls out to the receptionist as she enters the sea of desks. Deloriah stops at a large desk covered with stacks of papers. "Director Themolin, there are number of persons here to see you. They said that their situation is urgent. Something about a boat?" A portly man with thinning hair looks up from behind several stacks of papers, some nearly toppling from the heavy wooden desk upon which they are perched. "A-a boat?" Themolin stammers with a mousy voice as he hesitantly rises to his feet. After pausing for a moment, he dismisses the receptionist. "Thank you, Deloriah. That will be all." When the receptionist departs, Themolin leans in closely to speak with you. "Unscheduled appointments are highly unusual around here. Just what are you here to see me about?" A picture of Themolin is now available in Slides.
Four days from now is exactly too late.
"Four days won't do" she tries to, through omission, speak true statements "And the matter concerning our boat grows in severity each passing day" finally "Please. We are of ample means, and if there was any way you would be willing to help" "What is the matter with your boat?" Baralbus inquires. Deloria shushes him. "Please, Baralbus, can't you see that this person is trying to talk?" The man keeps his mouth shut as the receptionist continues to speak with the kholo. "Please don't mind Sub-Director Baralbus. Now, if you have a pressing issue, I suppose I might be able to rearrange Director Themolin's calendar a little bit..."
"We heard ye were lookin' ta get yerself an' yer loved ones out o' here an' we're here ta see it done." "Oh?" The professor responds.
"I see." The professor nods in the dwarf's direction, not bothering to lower her voice. "You are here to inform me that plan is still on, then? Good. I will be leaving the city along with my spouse, Taffrid, and my two children, as agreed." Turning to Father Emil, she says, "I appreciate your efforts at secrecy, but there is little risk of garnering much attention here. The Runelord's pettiness and neglect has done their work. This institution is but a pale shadow of its one-time greatness. It has been reduced to the point where it would it appear it no longer even occupies her thoughts. Trust me, there is nothing of interest to her and her minions left here." The professor sighs. "Still, I suppose may well find myself missing this place. But, I am more eager to leave and to see this new world. I even heard stories of the appearances of new gods. Some of whom have even died!" Her excited curiosity is evident. "As for the matter of payment," Professor Chaverly walks over to a shelf where she retrieves a small chest, which she sets upon her desk. "These magical items should suffice." She declares as she opens the chest to reveal its contents: a gold nodule aeon stone and a scroll. "An aeon stone and a scroll containing an air bubble spell."
"If you desire more, then you are more than welcome to help yourselves to the contents of my office library," she adds, pointing to several shelves filled with codex, scrolls, and books. "I have no desire to haul them with me, but you may find them to be of value. As for me, I certainly won't be needing them anymore."
Perception (DC 15):
You locate a scroll that had slipped between the pages within one of the textbooks. Academia Lore, Library Lore, or Thassilon Lore (DC 14):
You recognize the textbooks and treatises in professor's office library to be woefully out-of-date and likely not of much value. Religion or Society (DC 18):
You recognize the textbooks and treatises in Daffrid's office library to be woefully out-of-date and likely not of much value. "So, you now have payment. When do we leave? I can gather my family here within the hour. Or is there are time and place when we should plan to meet up in the future?" The professor asks.
Ma'elo steps forward meekly, As he does, hear can better hear the words the man is saying to the woman. "And you really do need to see the waterfront from my chalet, Delloriah," the man urges. "This weekend, perhaps?" "I'm sure that I am busy, Baralbus." the woman responds. "Now, if you'll pardon me..." The woman pauses to make eye contact with Ma'elo. "Uhm, excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt, and I won't need to interrupt long if you can direct us to a Themolin? I was told that our situation was being moved to Themolin." "Themolin?" Baralbus mutters softly, before inquiring. "What sort of 'situation’, do you have with Themolin?” Trying to ignore Baralbus, Deloriah opens up one of the books in front of her and scans the page. "The Director of Audits is a very busy man" She informs Ma'elo. "Meetings with the Director Themolin are by appointment only." Looking into the book, she runs her finger down the page, then adds. "His next available appointment is four days from now. Under what name shall I make the appointment?"
Leaving the Rockfish Inn, the party enters into the streets of the city. You find them already busy with the usual checkpoints and patrols in operation. You find that you make good time and arrive at Ministry of Tithes within minutes! Unfortunately, there is a longline of people waiting to get into the marble structure and a pair of guards by the door making sure that everyone within line waits their turn and remains orderly. Once you join the line of people, it takes you about two hours to get to the lobby area of the Ministry. When you make your way inside, you see rows and rows of desks arranged in an orderly fashion around prominent stone statue in the likeness of Runelord Belimarius. Sitting at the desks, well-dressed bureaucrats busily tending to piles of paperwork. The line of people from outside ends at a reception desk, which also lies within the shadow of the statue of the Runelord. Here a neatly dressed woman sits at the desk with books and quill in hand. Next to her standsa well-manicured man, also in fine attire, who is leaning over her. The two appear to be engaged in animate conversation.
"Name's Father Emil. I'm visitin' this city an' thought I'd look up a scholar I've heard 'bout name o' Diffrid. A friend named Guaril also asked me ta deliver a message. Can ya help?" "I am Professor Chaverly, Professor Daffrid Chaverly." affirms the woman as she eyes the man and his companions. She speaks cautiously. "If you have a message for me, you may provide it to me directly. Further, this is still an institution of learning. One should feel free to exchange information freely here." Her gaze tracks patterns, not people alone. She methodically examines the surroundings for subtle clues, inconsistencies, or signs of recent activity, prioritizing what doesn’t fit the expected pattern of a neglected magical academy. Upon entering the office, Alenor's attention is drawn to an unusual rock formation that can be seen through the open window of the Professor's office. Standing among piles of stone rubble in the courtyard below, the formation does not appear to a part of an existing structure and, though monumental in size, it appears barely sculpted and unfinished.
Perception (DC 24): The large, rocky form standing near the open window, which appears to be humanoid!
"Do you have anything else to offer our employer in exchange for your rescue?" "Knowing your 'employer', I don't think that he would have sent you if he didn't know that I did." Yuleg states firmly. "However, I think the matter is moot under the present circumstances. If Vurna is not well, then we do not leave. Without such an exchange, there will be no payment." The dwarf adds. "I assure you, if you get my daughter well and she is able to travel, then you will and your 'employer' will be well-compensated."
The party heads to the site of the Arcanium Abjurant. The going through this bustling city is slow. Some streets are crowded, others are quite narrow, and still others dead end unexpectedly due to collapsed structures, large piles of rubble, or ongoing construction--all resulting from prior conflict and the city being ravaged by its eventful journey through time. After navigating the hustle and bustle of the city and its checkpoints, the Pathfinders arrive at the institution after a couple of hours. The school's prominent location and sizable campus suggest that this wizardry school was once the centerpiece of the city. Now, however, it is but a shell of any former glory. Several ruined columns line the front entrance of the white marble building where vellum banners hide broken stonework. A statue of the Runelord herself, Belimarius, stands as the only unmarred object in the courtyard--a clear indicator that it is a recent addition, post-dating the calamity that had earlier befallen the city. Otherwise, much of the school still lies in disrepair. Only a limited number of people can be seen walking around the grounds, their number being far fewer than the numbers of strewn boulders and piles of rubble scattered across the campus. You are able to locate a weathered directory listing the offices of various professors, including that of Professor of Religion, Daffrid Chaverly. Vacant classrooms cover the first floor of the building while a stone staircase leads to the second floor. If you head up the staircase:
You spot a number of modest academic offices on the second floor, each lined with cramped bookshelves, archaic charts, and chalk-filled slates. Within one of the offices atop the steps, you spy a red-haired woman intently reading a scroll. A picture of the woman is now on Slides.
Unsure if we need to seek in-character clarification; my OOC thought based on the timeline the GM has provided for us (slide 7) is it wouldn't make sense for both Shard Cove and our own departure to be on day 5 but I might be wrong! I have observed that while our departure is marked in red there's not a clear notation of the Shard Cove rendezvous. GM, I read your profile and saw you're the scenario author, so if you can say anything about this other than to grin mysteriously... :) After grinning mysteriously a little bit longer, I have updated the Slide with the time tracker to reflect the scheduled departure time from Shard Cove. In short, your thought was correct. Due to curfew, do we need to spend the night 3 (or 4) in the sewers, or is traveling to the cove/seeing off the clients our dawn/first bell action on that day? In my mind, first bell rings no earlier than dawn. This means you need to be at Shard Cove before First Bell. However, I suppose the ship would likely wait a couple of hours, if necessary. I hope that helps the party come to a consensus on a plan. I can now go back to grinning mysteriously (Unfortunately, it is not as rewarding in PbP as at face-to-face tables--but it is still fun!)
Modra's back turned on the other guards, he shoots Kallade an apologetic look and hands back the book. Under his breath, "If yer lookin' ta take a trip withou' Ellvard seein' ye off a' the docks, ye know where ta find us. Captain, truly sorry abou' this, ye know how it is wi' young lads these days." Kallade accepts the book, which she quickly returns to her cloak. She appears ready to say something further when... A few moments later, a giant beetle appears near the guard in question, looking to grab the man in its large mandible, only trying to hold him, not damage him. Then using its Light Flash to try to dazzle the eyes of all the onlookers. She eyes the wizard warily, then looks down to retrieve her blade. She avoids the flash of light. The two guards, however, are less fortunate. Each experiences a sudden fit of mental pain, leaving them momentarily stunned. "Recruitment is done for the day!" Captain Kallade declares loudly. "The office is now closed and will reopen at first bell tomorrow morning." She gestures for the party to leave quickly through the door and exit the grounds before the guards regain their composure.
As Ma'elo and Spurtz tend to the sick Vurna, her father paces nervously. Upon identifying the source of the young woman's illness, Spurtz concludes that her condition, while poor, could be more desperate and, in all likelihood, she will survive at least one more day.
"You can help her, yes?" Yuleg calls out to the pair of "healers". "I am most grateful for whatever help you can offer." "You and your companions are, of course, welcome to stay here as long as you'd like. Unfortunately, I don't have much in the way of foodstuffs. I do, however, still have most of my stock of pickled fish, if you wish to help yourselves." Yuleg suggests, gesturing over to a row of six, large barrels. Each barrel is filled to the brim with a briny mixture. If you are trained in Crafting:
You realize that you could spend about eight hours converting a barrel into a raft that could hold four, perhaps even up to six creatures. That is, once the pickled fish have been removed.
As he heads for the door, one of the guards spies the book within Redmond's position. "What he we here?" The guard inquires, reaching for the book preparing to seize it.
The woman listens intently, then nods. She pulls a small black book from her within her cloak and sets it down on the table. She then places the paperwork given to her by Father Emil on top of it. "On the date your permit expires, my colleague Ellvard is scheduled to be working the docks." Captain Kallade notes. "Should you keep your plans for departure, you might see him there." "However, if your plans have changed and you wish to share the uniform of the Emerald Guard..." The woman pauses, picks up the paperwork, and hands it--along with the blackbook beneath it--to Father Emil. "Then, I hope you have what it takes." As she speaks, the woman's eyes dart towards the guards stationed outside the door. "Aye, the Rockfish Inn, after curfew any o' the next couple nights might be a good time and place to talk about the, erm, signing bonus yer payin' out around here." "I am a very busy woman. I don't readily spend my time knocking on doors for recruits. Although, if I were convinceed that such time is likely to be productive, I am sure I could find a few moments to be free."
"We are the Rescue Team" then, as if she hadn't just whispered, pretends that another conversation was happening (even though it was!) "Hmm. I'd have to look those mules in the mouth. And have one of the brothers examine the wagon. But maybe, maybe. It has been explained by my employer that we oughtn't barter in fish, unfortunately" then codeswitches again "We were told it was you and your daughter" and winks at him. "Rescue?" The dwarf repeats. He begins to shut the door, then stops when he realizes who these visitors may be. "Perhaps, you should come inside." "Aye. We're all in this together," Spurtz says. "All of you, then." The innkeeper beckons. "Come." Once the party enters, the dwarf hesitantly steps out into the street, looking around to see if anyone else may be watching. Satisfied, he quietly closes the door tightly. "I am Yuleg Bluingot." he says as he locks the door behind him. "But, I suspect that you may already know that." "And, I pray that you truly are a healer, " He says to Elidathas. "Otherwise, if you are who I suspect, then you have come a long way for nothing. My daughter, Vurna, is indeed quite ill and I have no intention of leaving her bedside until she is well." "If you cannot help her, then I suggest that you all go. Otherwise, if one or more of you may be help then please follow me." Yuleg implores. " [b]"I haven't left Vurna's side to get any more since she fell ill," Yuleg offers as explanation. He turns his gaze toward you, looking eyes with a knowing look. "Can you help her, please?" "Unfortunately, I have little to give you in exchange. I do, however, still have most of my stock of pickled fish, if you wish to help yourselves." Yuleg suggests, gesturing over to a row of six, large barrels. Each barrel is filled to the brim with a briny mixture. Lying in a nearby room is young, pale, and bedridden dwarven woman. Her entire complexion has a greenish tinge.
Medicine (DC 15) to Recall Knowledge:
Vurna is suffering from advanced stage filth fever, which threatens to kill her should the disease advance much further.
The line moves forward and slowly but manages to dwindle down after about twenty minutes until only the party stands, single file before the woman at the recruitment desk. Looking up from her desk, the woman gives a stern look as she eyes up the human cleric before looking down at the papers on her desk. "I am Captain Astrid Kallade of the Emerald Guard," she begins. "You look like you've got some experience. Although, I suspect not much involving wearing armor and sporting blades. Unless, perhaps, they were used for plowing. Still, I've been surprised by a number of persons who have entered the Emerald Guard. Don't think that just because your older than most that you'll get any special treatment or rise up through the ranks any quicker. If you want to do that, you'll have to do it the same way I did. You'll have to earn it." "It is tough work. Not always as rewarding as you may think." She now turns her gaze directly toward Emil. "Yet, reaching sufficient rank does provide one with--shall we say?--certain opportunities." "So," she continues, as she points to her armored uniform, “If you want to be able to wear this armor for yourself someday--and if you have what it takes--then it can be yours for the taking. You just need decide what you are willing to do to take it. Make sure to seize the opportunities when they are presented. Be certain to act at just the right time and at just the right place." She pauses for a moment, looking for some sign of comprehension from the man before her. Then, having completed her recruitment speech, Captain Kallade looks over her desk and pulls out a recruitment form. "Now, it seems to me that you are most likely not a native to Xin-Edasseril. Do you have a set of proper travel papers with you?" Captain Kallade punctuates her question to Father Emil by holding out her hand, expectantly.
Elidathas reads the sign and knocks on the inn door. When the dwarf tries to close the door, Elidathas moves to stop him. "I am a healer, sir. Let me attend to your daughter's ills, if I can." "A healer, you say?" The dwarf eyes Elidathas with suspicion. "I am unaware of any clergy in this city who offer healing services that have not been solicited. Nor am I aware of the Runelord being particularly welcoming to missionaries. May I ask, then, what has brought you to my inn?" He keeps a hand on the door, ready to shut it quickly if necessary. To the next pathfinder, she tries to whisper "Maybe not in fish, but in cart and mule, we could take his payment?" cracking herself up, she laughs spastically, overloud! "What was that?" The dwarf asks upon hearing the laughter. He looks around warily. Spying the kholo near the stable, he asks "Just how many are you?"
After a trip to the cove and back, the party has time to bed down for the night in the sewers. By morning, some of you may have almost become accustomed to the smell. With the ringing of first bell, the party exists the sewers and heads toward the location of the Rockfish Inn. After about two hours of making sure you are not spotted leaving the sewers and masking scents, you find yourselves in front of a sturdy, stone building with a meticulously thatched roof. It is marked by a hand-carved, wooden sign with silver inlays that declare the building to be The Rockfish Inn. All of the windows of the inn are shuttered and there is a sign upon the door. If you read the sign:
It states: "Closed Due to Illness". If you knock on the door:
A series of heavy footfalls coming the interior of the building towards the door. It soon opens and reveals a red-bearded dwarf wearing spectacles. "I'm very sorry, very sorry. But, The Rockfish Inn is closed at present. My daughter, Vurna, is quite ill." says the dwarf as he shakes his head in apology. "As much as I would like to tend to guests, I'm afraid her sickness demands my time and, while I do not think her contagious, the last thing I would want is to risk any of my fine patrons getting sick. Thank you for your interest and do come again." He raises a meaty hand in a pleasant wave as a sendoff and then prepares to close the door. Next to the inn is a stable.
If you peek in the stable:
You find it contains an unhitched, light wagon and a pair of mules munching on some hay.
Travel time to and from the cove is 4 hours (2 there, 2 back). The way the adventure is structured, the PCs have time to get to up to 4 locations per day. This means that the PCs only have about 8 to 10 hours a day to explore outside of curfew. Accordingly, the time between last bell and first bell the next day is about 14 hours. The PCs have plenty of time to get to the cove and back and to get a full night's rest in the sewers before moving out.
The lone guard walks past the short line at the recruitment center. As she does so, the two guards at the door give her a salute. "Captain Kallade," one of the guards affirms. The name may ring a bell. "At ease." The woman instructs, passing by the guards and into the recruitment center. As the party approaches the line, they can see Captain Kallade through the door as she heads past to the front of the line to a recruitment desk. Once there, she relieves the sitting recruitment official, who promptly exits past the guard at the door. Captain Kallade takes her seat at the recruitment table, brushing back her dark hair, which frames a pair of deep green eyes framed by dark tresses. Dropping the helmet on the recruitment desk with a loud *THUD*, the woman announces loudly, "Those of you with any questions should remain at the back of the line." After giving the instruction to those in the recruitment line, she holds out her hand, ready to receive documentation from those at the front of the line.
The moonlight continues to flicker off the waves of the cove, but its light fails to force the waters to give up any secrets.
"The path to the cove is going to look the same regardless of day or night. So, familiarizing ourselves would be a good use of our time. Plus, I've seen some spellcasters utilize magic light, so maybe one of ours has the ability to do that." "Oh, I am familiar with the path alright." Flitch says. "Follow me!" At the request of the paryt, Flitch leads the party through a nearby tunnel, which converges with a main tunnel. He then leads you down one of offshoots, which itself branches into a number of tunnels. As you travel, you spot clear signs that the sewers are home to various forms of vermin, including a number of rats of unusual size. However, the other life forms that you encounter in the tunnels usually skitter into holes, under water, or into other tunnels as you approach, avoiding contact with a group of so many, relatively larger creatures. En route, Flitch tries to make conversation. He speaks loudly, clearly not concerned about alerting any of the authorities while down in the sewers. "One of the elves said that some of you could cast spells? Amazing!" Flitch says eagerly. "Which one of you? What can you do?" As he listens for any response, the Sczarni lad takes you down one of the smaller branches of the tunnel until you reach a fissure that leads into a natural tunnel carved out of the rock through erosion. Most of the sewer tunnels are 10 feet tall and five feet wide. The kobold has no difficulty making his way through it, but the others each have to duck their heads and stick close to the wall. Eventually, the natural tunnel system gives way to a sea cave that opens out onto a sparse beach spilling into the sea cove. As Flitch had predicted, the trip from his lair has taken nearly two hours and the time is now well after nightfall. A full moon shines down on the calm, pure water of the cove. The tide is low. Occasionally, a momentary glimmer or glistening of reflected light can be seen near and around the water line. "Behold! Shard Cove.” Flitch declares. The water at low tide is approximately 25-40 feet deep. No ships can be seen on the horizon.
Perception (DC 23):
You spot the tip of an immense, jagged piece of clear crystal, sticking out from the water. It is approximately 10 feet square and its base likely lies on the seafloor.
"Aye, well, I'm thinkin' if we all put our heads together, we can puzzle it out." Modra:
You discern that the lone guard is not simply recruiting members to the Emerald Guard, but wants you to follow her to the recruitment area. Emil wonders if the note is a cryptic way of responding to us. Father Emil:
You discern that it is. The lone guard is not simply recruiting members to the Emerald Guard but wants whoever picks up the paper to follow her to the recruitment area. Magnus is still trying to puzzle out exactly what is going on here, but he suspects the dropped note is important. Magnus:
The note is important. You realize that the lone mysterious guard is likely a spy who suspects those who look out of place here have unlawful intentions. Upon rejoining the group Redmond resumes his laid back manner, mired only slightly by the failure of his ruse. "That could have gone better. We shouldn't hang around here if we can help it." Redmond:
You conclude that the calls out to "Garrla" likely prompted the lone guard to act. She must be the one the note wanted you to contact and she is urging you and your companions to meet with her at the recruitment area.
”Sharks in the water?” Beezhul gasps ”Or did you say Shards?” "Shards," Flitch repeats, stressing the final, hard consonant. "A shard is a jagged crystal. These shards lie just beneath the waves of the cove. I don't know about any sharks or anything else that might live in the water, but I can tell you that I wouldn't want go swimming in the cove unless my life depended on it.”
Considering the member of the Emerald Guard that seemingly dropped the note, Alenor can conclude only that the woman is indeed interested in finding recruits to join the Emerald Guard.
Ma'elo nods, "Can we get to the Cove from the sewers?" "There is no other way to the Cove other than the sewers." Flitch replies. "Unless you want plan to scale city walls, before descending down a cliff. But, that way is far more likely to draw attention." "The trek through the tunnels to the Cove takes about two hours from here." Flitch explains. "Of course, if we go tonight, there won't be much to see since the sun will have gone down by the time we get there. The shards in the water are hard enough to see in broad daylight. Depending on the tide, you might be able to spot some from the shore." "You're a pretty good forger, lad.." Spurtz says, sharing what he knows with the others. "Uncle Guaril keeps telling me that I'm 'something else'!" Flitch replies. "I'm sure he means that my forging skills are in a league all of their own!"
|